Fall 2025 CPACC Grant Application
About the grant
Accessible Technologies will be awarding grants to selected candidates throughout the university to become certified accessibility professionals. In order to have the most impact on improving the accessibility of the university’s websites and web applications, we are looking to distribute these grants to individuals in strategic positions throughout the university who can effectively serve as change agents.
The deadline to apply is August 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. We expect to notify recipients no later than Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Attendance at meetings is essential for passing the exam
All meetings are on Wednesdays. Before applying, confirm your availability to attend the
- Kick-Off & Module 1 Meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (on Zoom and in the PDN classroom at 801 University City Blvd., Suite 21, Blacksburg, VA 24061).
- Weekly Wednesday meetings on Zoom from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. from September 10, 2025, through November 5, 2025.
- Closing Celebration & Study Session on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (on Zoom and in the PDN classroom at 801 University City Blvd., Suite 21, Blacksburg, VA 24061).
Benefits
Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) will pay for:
- The fee to take the CPACC exam, a $410 value
Accessible Technologies will:
- Provide a 10-week course covering the core competencies of accessibility, universal design, and legal standards, plus an optional review session.
- Provide access to assistive technologies and expert guidance on their use.
- Answer questions regarding exam-prep course materials.
- Provide physical and/or virtual space for regular study-group meetings for participants as they progress through the exam preparation material.
Expectations
- Participants are expected to devote two hours a week over 10 weeks to complete the exam prep/digital badge course materials.
- Meet weekly for 10 weeks with other participants to progress through the exam preparation course materials.
- Take the certification exam following the guidelines from IAAP or complete the requirements for the A11y Core digital badge.
- After completing the exam and/or A11y Core badge requirements, commit to serving a minimum one-year term on the Accessibility Network. The network meets quarterly and has several goals that include:
- Collaborating to develop policies and procedures for the development and testing of accessible media and learning experiences
- Assisting in the selection of enterprise software for the creation of accessible media and learning experiences
- Helping devise strategies for increasing participation in the Accessibility Network
- Collaborating to develop policies and procedures for the development and testing of accessible media and learning experiences
- Within your circle of influence, share information regarding accessibility and universal design, and gather information about the needs for training, assistance, and tools.
Application Process
- Check your calendar to be sure you are available to attend all cohort meetings listed above.
- Confirm that you can fulfill the other expectations listed above.
- Verify that the person you report to understands the commitment required to complete the CPACC expectations.
- Submit your application by selecting the Apply Now button below.
If you have questions about the benefits or expectations regarding this grant, email tlos@vt.edu.